Production of Aluminum-Zirconium Oxide Hybridized Nanopowder and Its Nanocomposite

The alumina–zirconia (Al2O3–ZrO2) system is considered as one of the most useful nanocomposites, finding widespread applications in structural field. To provide optimal performance, the scale reduction of the initial powder or of the final grain morphology is of particular importance. To accomplish this, we developed a novel Al–Zr‐oxide hybridized nanopowder using the Pechini‐type sol–gel method. Within this process, we maintained a uniform distribution of the Al and Zr metallic ions, and kept these ions stable at the molecular distance level with the help of polymeric additives. The transmission electron spectroscopyanalysis of the nanopowder revealed that the individual particles were ultrastructured, with both Al‐oxide and Zr‐oxide regions being interspaced within 10 nanometers. The Al2O3–ZrO2 nanocomposite made from the hybridized nanopowder by a hot‐pressing technique showed ultrafine grain morphology. Moreover, the mechanical strength of the nanocomposite measured by a four‐point flexural test was as high as 1.5 GPa. The Al–Zr‐oxide hybridized nanopowder and its nanocomposite developed herein are considered to find potential uses in engineering applications.